Multiple manufacturers could soon launch Freely streaming boxes powered by TiVo’s operating system, potentially flooding the market with new devices beyond the currently available Netgem Pleio.
Today, TiVo announced that it has achieved certification from Everyone TV, which means any manufacturer can now use TiVo OS to power Freely compatible streaming boxes, much like TiVo already provides the software running Freely TVs from Sharp, Bush, and Panasonic.
For anyone frustrated by the limited choice in Freely hardware (which currently stands at one standalone device, the Netgem Pleio), this suggests the market could expand significantly, though no specific products have been announced yet.
Although TiVo used to also make devices, they are now primarily an OS company, running the operating system used by other device manufacturers. Therefore, multiple TV and box makers can now use TiVo OS to power their Freely devices without building the software from scratch themselves.
But certification and actual products are entirely different. This announcement confirms the technology is approved and ready, not that devices are imminent.
The Freely Refresher
For anyone just catching up, Freely launched in April 2024 as Everyone TV’s streaming platform designed to eventually replace traditional Freeview and Freesat.
Instead of relying on aerials or satellite dishes, Freely delivers live channels and catch-up content entirely through your broadband connection. You get BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5 and over 55 other channels (with more being added regularly) all in one unified interface.
The platform recently announced an expansion with six Warner Bros. Discovery channels, including Quest, TLC (becoming free-to-air for the first time), and Really, plus CNN Headlines. Earlier additions included Talking Pictures TV and BLAZE, with more channels announced for early 2026.
The big limitation since launch has been access. Until recently, you could only get Freely by buying a brand new smart TV from select manufacturers like Hisense, Bush, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba, or Amazon Fire TV sets.
That changed last month when the Netgem Pleio launched for £99 as the first standalone Freely box, but it has been consistently out of stock. The Pleio runs on the Android TV operating system.
What TiVo OS Certification Actually Enables
TiVo’s certification from Everyone TV means TiVo OS is now approved for “puck-style” or HDMI-connected streaming devices that deliver Freely’s live TV and on-demand content.
Previously, TiVo OS was only certified for smart TVs with integrated screens.
This opens possibilities for hardware and TV manufacturers (who already use TiVo OS in their Freely TVs) to potentially launch companion streaming boxes with the same interface.
Retailers like Argos or even the supermarkets could potentially launch their own-brand Freely boxes powered by TiVo software underneath. And ISPs could offer Freely boxes bundled with internet packages, using TiVo OS as the underlying platform.
The press release specifically mentions these audiences because they’re TiVo’s actual customers – companies that might license TiVo OS to power their products. Individual consumers shopping for streaming boxes aren’t TiVo’s direct market.
TiVo’s strength lies in its user interface, which emphasises content discovery over endlessly scrolling through apps.
The company already has established relationships with major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, as well as the major UK broadcasters.
For manufacturers wanting to launch Freely boxes, licensing TiVo OS provides ready-made software that already works with Freely and major streaming apps, rather than building everything from scratch.
The Freely Boxes Already Coming
The Pleio’s launch proved there’s massive demand for Freely boxes. It sold out on Amazon within hours, creating weeks of stock shortages.
At £99, it brings Freely to any TV with an HDMI port, though it’s not perfect – there’s a noticeable 3-4 second lag when changing channels, and the gaming features push the price higher than some viewers want to pay for straightforward live TV.
Beyond the Pleio, the Humax “Aura EZ 4K Freely Recorder” briefly appeared on retailer websites before being pulled, but Humax confirmed to us it exists and is “under internal testing and development.”
Unlike the streaming-only Pleio, the Humax box appears to offer both Freely streaming and an aerial port for traditional Freeview channels, with specifications suggesting recording capability.
The big unknown is whether it can record from Freely’s streaming channels or only from traditional aerial-based broadcasts (the likely scenario).
The BBC is also exploring a separate, “radically simplified” Freely device designed specifically for people who find modern streaming technology overwhelming.
For viewers, TiVo’s certification is encouraging because it confirms multiple parties see commercial opportunity in Freely devices. That should eventually translate into more choice and better pricing through competition.
For more news on Freely, TV and streaming, Subscribe to our free newsletter.
I bought a TV with TiVo on it been in Dublin Ireland can my TV pick up freely tv
Freely is only included on specific TiVo devices (TVs for now, and boxes in the future) that mention Freely support. Plus, any Freely service will likely only work within the UK.
I have a Humax Freesat recording box, which has two advantages over my tv’s simple Freeview and iPlayer and similar apps (and I guess Freely if it has no recording option). Not only can I skip ads (which broadcasters probably do not like) but I have a list of recordings = a ready made list of what I want to watch in the near future! I do not have to remember or write down the names of programmes that I might also in future be able to replay. Not all programmes are kept by broadcasters for later streaming; some will only be kept for a limited time.
Hi. Can I ask a question.
I hate watching adverts, so I always record on my freesat humax and Panasonic freeview (cheap reconditioned unit!)
And then skip through adverts on playback.
If it all eventually switches to Freely, will it be impossible to skip ads?
Mostly, yes (unless you pay extra for ad-free tiers like ITVX Premium)
Unless ITV start to stream in 50fps and many other channels ( sky , ee , virgin already do ) Freely will be always be a step backwards , unfortunately
We bought into the original TIVO box which was a very good device, there was a lifetime subscription option which we took only for TIVO to stop the service, thus making our box into an expensive ornament, so won’t be buying into TIVO again thanks
I’m still using my original UK TiVo box thanks to the 3rd party TV guide provided by altepg, which is free. It does take some effort to install it though.
What about people without broad band like in caravans??
For situations like that there’s always mobile data which is very fast (in most locations) and very reasonably priced (less than £20pm for unlimited data is readily available).
If there is no mobile data signal then there’s always Starlink which is more expensive but works great.
So no problem for caravans then!
You could use your Phone as a mobile hotspot provided your data plan was adequate, there’s also wireless broadband ,
I loved the original Tivo box.. So for me this could be interesting when it launches..
Or just release an app for streaming devices like Fire TV and Apple TV boxes. There was speculation that they haven’t done this because of potential content licensing issues, but you could buy a Pleio puck (when it stock) and ‘freely’ use it abroad with a VPN so that argument doesn’t hold up.
It’s all about money with them, what ever is best for their bank balance not the customer
I think like Freeview Humax Aura HD 4K 2TB is better available service UK more channels follow Freely available Humax 4K HD 2TB right, I am so sorry I don’t know sure about Freesat Humax is old box is not available 4K nothing smart removed gone British people call family and friends and schoolfriends are young and old age has just started.
What is that in English? I don’t understand a single thing you wrote.
I think they want the Freely service and it’s operating system to the the dominant software on the device so it launches straight into it much like a standard tv or set top box. Having it as an app for other manufacturers devices would mean they can’t do that.